Scott Dunlap's blog of trail running, ultrarunning, triathlon, and other life adventures. I enjoy the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of outdoor events and the chance to meet cool people. This blog contains interviews, research, original fiction, new product ideas, and all things trail running.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Book Review - Unbroken

Wow. I just finished the audio book of Unbroken - A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (author of Seabiscuit), and I think endurance athletes are going to love it. It's a biography of Louis Zamperini, a miler/5k runner who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics as the youngest US athlete to make the team, and then went on to a life of staggering tests of courage and endurance like going to WWII, 47 days lost at sea, and years as a savagely abused prisoner of war in Japan. If you thought ultrarunning was hard, wait until you hear this insane story of survival.

This book baited me with stories of Zamp's troubled youth and how running helped pull him out, and the detail of every step is much like Hillenbrand's other books. It keeps for a brisk audio pace that makes for good commuting or treadmill running. I should warn you, however, that the dozen or so detailed chapters of his harrowing days in the POW camps are simply shocking. His main adversary, a POW Camp iron hand named "The Bird", was so scary he even showed up in MY dreams. On more than one occasion, I nearly tripped over my jaw as it hit the ground as the details of his torture went on and on with rich and vivid narrative. It shows you what real courage and persistence is.

On a side note, the story of Laura Hillenbrand making this book is also a tale of unique persistence and courage. She suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, and rarely makes it out of her house. Assembling this book took nearly 10 years.

Thanks so much for the review Scott. I have been looking for a new book to read since finishing "Born to Run" a while back. I have always had a problem finishing books unless they are really good - this one sounds like it falls into that category!

I just received this book for Christmas but haven't started in on it yet. I am still working on Chi Running. I can't seem to get into it. The info sounds good so far but it's not like To the Edge or Born to Run. Have you read Dean Karnazes' book yet?

My favorite running books are Once A Runner, Born to Run, this one, and Dean's Ultramarathon Man. All of which are good in audio format too.

Dean's book is great, and gives you a really good feel for Western States. I think his editor added a bit too much "I'm ripped like a prize fighter" comments, and since I saw an early draft, I know these weren't there. He sure has inspired a lot of people to run, as has Born to Run (albeit without shoes).

Unbroken has inspired me to carry cyanide capsules when I fly on a plane. ;-)

Scott!Clumsy me can't seem to find an email for you! I have some questions about Masters World Marathon in July...I have visited USATF...yet have not found answers! How to qualify? Or do you just pay and sign up? Please respond to annettebednosky@gmail.com.Thanks sooo much!

I'm so glad you wrote this to get the word out because Unbroken was my favorite book in a long time. It gives a compelling look back at the days when track and field were major spectator sports and runners were celebrities. It amazed me that Louie got as close to breaking the 4min mile on a training regimen so different than what runners would probably do today. As for the rest of the book-- I couldn't stop reading it. It shows the absolute best, most resilient side of the human spirit in the face of evil. I'm so impressed with Laura H's exhaustive research and her ability to distill it into a narrative. Runner's World and Sports Illustrated have some great Q&As with her online.Thanks, Scott!

Hi Scott - What kind of treadmill do you have or recommend. You should do a post/review on treadmills, as it is difficult to figure out which ones are actually good for real running in a given price range - thanks.

No, there are no qualifying standards for World Masters Marathon. You will see a field to enter a "qualifying mark" when you enter, but this is really for the events with qualifying heats like the 1500m (they use qualifying marks to put you with the similar-paced groups). But the marathon is an all-comers. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Anon - That's a good idea to post something about treadmills. I should do an interview with the guy at my local shop - he knows everything about treadmills. There's a fairly comprehensive review here. I have a Pacemaster Gold Elite, which I thought was the best of the fold-up treadmills I tried. It feels solid, and I can set a pace of 15 mph (for short intervals). But I also got a screaming deal on it from a company going out of business, which tends to influence the purchase. I can say I've easily put 2,000 miles on it and have had no issues short of needing to adjust the belt tension on occasion.

Scott, Thank you for the review and related info/links. Ditto to Sarah Lavender Smith's comments.I also think that Laura Hillenbrand's own story is amazing and demonstrates "the absolute best, most resilient side of the human spirit." In some ways, Laura has ventured out of her own "house" to maximize and realize her own potential beyond what anyone could have imagined.For sure, Chris M's and Dean K's books have" inspired a lot of people to run." Laura's story and her books inspire people to find a way to "KEEP running" even when life's circumstances try to "tell" them that they can't.Thanks again for taking the time to post this; I always find your reviews interesting and enlightening. Ann

Scott,thanks for the info on that book. I was reading this amazing story a year ago in a different book. "Devil at my Heels", actually written by Louis Zamperini himself. Not sure if you have that book, should be interesting if the books tell the same exact story in the details.

I read this book in two days flat and I know that, had I had the time, I would have read it in one sitting. This is a book that grips you, draws you in and leaves you feeling a slightly better person for having read it.

About Me

I'm a technology entrepreneur who took up trail running and triathloning back in 2001 to get off the work treadmill and see a bit more of the outdoors. I also love to eat, so the exercise helps me justify those extra helpings. ;oP I'm always interested in learning more about trail running - please comment and link away!

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